Event Card
The Event Card promotes events in groups. It is a visual component that gives a glimpse of event details and attracts users to learn more or take action.
Dos
Use 2 or more cards (maximum of 8)
Use the Standard version in multiples of 3 or 4
Use the Featured version in pairs or in combination with an Event List
Use the Standard version with event feeds
Variations
Accessibility
Keyboard Accessible
Users are able to use the keyboard to navigate through the event card using the ‘Tab’ key to navigate/focus and ‘Enter’ or ‘Spacebar’ to activate and focus can be moved away from the component. WCAG 2.1.1: Keyboard; WCAG 2.1.2: No Keyboard Trap This navigation is done in sequential and logical order when there are multiple call to actions grouped together. WCAG 2.4.3: Focus Order
Hover and Focus State
Each actionable element within the event card has distinct styling on hover and focus. This provides a visual cue to the user that the element is focused and an action can be taken. WCAG 1.4.13: Content on hover or focus
Color Contrast
A contrast ratio of at least 4:5:1 between text and background color is ensured to enhance readability. WCAG 1.4.3: Contrast (minimum)
Responsive Design
The event card is responsive, adapting to various screen sizes to prevent content truncation and ensures proper reflow when zoomed up to 200% without horizontal scrolling WCAG 1.4.10: Reflow
Image
Provide effective alt text of the image that is concise and relevant. If the image is linked, the alt text should be succinct and descriptive of both the image and the linked content. Avoid phrases like “image of” since screen readers often already announce the type of element. WCAG 1.1: Text Alternatives
- Do not use an image to present text. True text should be used whenever possible, as it supports translation, is searchable, and is easier to maintain and customize. WCAG 1.4.5: Images of Text
Title
Use a clear and concise title that describes the card content content WCAG 2.4.6: Headings and Labels
Body Text
Write body text in clear and simple language. WCAG: 3.1.5: Reading Level Use descriptive link text for inline-links. WCAG 2.4.4: Link Purpose (In Context)
Link
Use effective text to describe what the link is and where it is taking the user. This should be clear, descriptive text that conveys the link content succinctly and the purpose and destination of the link. WCAG 2.4.9: Link Purpose (Link Only)
- Example of effective text (preferred): Learn more about Innovate Maryland
- Example of generic text (avoid): Learn more
Disclaimer: If the visible link text is not sufficiently descriptive, you can use an aria-label attribute to provide additional context for screen reader users. The aria-label should clearly describe the link's purpose and destination.
- If the visible text is not necessary for screen readers (e.g., it's redundant or less descriptive), consider using aria-hidden="true" on the visible text element. This ensures that screen readers will prioritize the aria-label.
Example with aria-label and aria-hidden:
<a href="https://example.com/innovate-maryland" aria-label="Learn more about Innovate Maryland"> <span aria-hidden="true">Learn more</span> </a>
This ensures that the link is accessible while maintaining concise visible text.
Content
Recommended character limits
Title
50 characters (100 max)
Text Block
200 characters (400 max)
Layout
Guidelines
- Image aspect ratio is not enforced. However, if pairing with another Feature Event Card, uploaded images should match aspect ratio.
- Title should link to Call to Action link.
- Calls to Action should have icon indicators for links that go off-site or link to downloaded documents.
Animation
Hover state: Titles are underlined. Scale on image